Christmas 2016!

This was Lena's and Will's third Christmas, so they really knew what to expect this year.  They even remembered what we had done the year before and traditions were becoming familiar to them.  We try to keep Christmas as simple as possible not just to avoid the chaos but to place the emphasis where it needs to be:  on the King of kings.  I struggled this past year with health issues which called for making Christmas even more simple this year.

We had to start a new tradition this year, because the Colees moved to Birmingham.  Instead of being at their home on Christmas Eve, we had roast and veggies at home after the candlelight service at church.  

Viola went home for Christmas since she extended her stay with us until September.  Dow was home for a good long break and I kept thinking this will be his last Christmas vacation since he graduates in May.  Beth made a quick trip to Haiti with Andy and Andy actually made two quick trips to Haiti.

We spent the week between Christmas and New Years mostly at the lake and enjoyed a lot of down time.  The kids enjoyed their roller blades and quickly learned how fun they were.

Mrs. Hope Mardre had the children over to make gingerbread houses!

The kids all ready for the live nativity scene!

Will and the second grade classes singing at John Knox

Lena enjoying the K5 Christmas party with Anna!

Our three reindeers in front of the Christmas tree!

Having a hot chocolate and cookie break in front of the fire with Viola!

Hope loves her baby tiger!

Lena and her new pajamas on Christmas morning!

The kids getting ready to come downstairs on Christmas morning!

After the presents were opened!

Beth loved her new shoes (designed by her)

Dow looking over one of his books!

Will with his Avenger skateboard!

Will trying out his roller blades!

Hope trying out her roller blades!

Sophie and Lena receiving dolls from Mimi and Pawpaw!

Gigi with grandkids and great-grandkids!